Vancouver Festival a Showcase for Talent

VANCOUVER, Wash.—Where other fairs and festivals bring in entertainers from outside the community, the Uptown Village Street Festival on Aug. 19 and 20 is strictly a regional celebration, showcasing the best of the local luminaries, musicians, dancers, performers, artists, crafters and other talented folks from the Southwest Washington area.
The old-fashioned, family-oriented street festival combines the historic charm of Main Street with the creative energy of more than 150 artists, musicians, vendors and performers whose work will be showcased in numerous events and attractions.
Stretching nearly six blocks on Main Street from McLoughlin to Fourth Plain Boulevard, the festival attracts thousands of visitors. It opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and closes at 8 p.m.; Sunday's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The Uptown Village is wheelchair accessible. On-street and commercial parking facilities are available nearby.
This year's activities include:
• A children's parade, which kicks off the two-day street festival. All children are encouraged to decorate the "vehicle" they ride, whether stroller, wagon, bike, skates or board, or they can to parade on foot in a costume of their choice.
• Pie and baking contest, immediately following the parade. A panel of local celebrity judges, will select the winner and festival-goers can sample the pies for $2 a slice.
• Renaissance tent, a new attraction this year, with period costumes and details. The tent will include a free service providing important identification information to parents to protect their children, sword-fighting demonstrations, Bash-A-Knight for the kids and more.
• Uptown Idol Karaoke competition, where singers vie for cash prizes and fame. Winners will receive gift baskets and savings bonds, as well as the glory of public achievement.
• Cultural stage, which features dance, music, storytelling, a fashion show and other cultural performances, many with interactive features.
• The Bike Club Challenge on Saturday is expected to attract over 300 two-wheeled vehicles vie for the "Most in Show" prize. All two-wheeled vehicles are welcome, from bicycles and simple scooters to tricked-out bikes of all makes, and groups are encouraged to ride in en masse.
• Center Stage, at 20th and Main, will include the Fort Vancouver Pipe Band and patriotic marches by the Vancouver Youth Theater Community Band. Classic rock-n-roll bands also will play during the weekend.
• Classic Car Cruise In, with 150 classic automobiles, including muscle cars, stock cars, custom cars, roadsters, foreign cars, and trucks, which will be on display all day.
• Children's activities, including free balloons, face-painting and coloring books.
For information, call 360-513-8999, or check the Web site, www.uptownvillage. com.